Personal Space in Thailand

Although you might not realize it, in the United States there is generally a comfort ‘bubble’ that surrounds each person you talk to. This personal ‘bubble’ essentially means that Americans are less touchy-feely than in Thai culture. The evidence is clear in simply talking, sharing jokes, or getting someone’s attention.

While every person has their own degree of personal space, I have noticed that generally Americans don’t touch each other when they talk. For instance, if a friend is telling you a story or sharing a joke, he or she will usually simply talk, without any touching involved. In Thailand, however, the idea of touching other people is more common. In my office my coworkers, guys and girls, will touch each other’s arms when saying the punch line of a joke or saying something funny. The only time I see something similar in the States is when people flirt with each other.

The other major difference in personal space is when going somewhere. Whether at an outside market or getting off public transport, it is easy to get separated from a group of friends or family. I remember being with my family in D.C. and often yelling out my Dad or sister’s name so they wouldn’t get lost in the crowd when our family was going somewhere. Rather than yelling your name, however, many Thais opt to touch you rather than simply talk. For instance, I was walking around a night market with my Chinese friend the other day. Each time he got lost in a crowd or I took the wrong turn, he would touch my arm or shoulder to get my attention and point me in the other direction. My coworkers do the same thing when we are walking to a restaurant for lunch. Rather than say “Hey Stephen, the restaurant is over this way!” as we would in the U.S., my coworkers walk over, tap me on the shoulder and point me which way to go.

I must admit, I am not quite used to the touchy-feely Thai culture yet; I am still surprised when a coworker or friend taps me on the shoulder or back instead of simply calling my name to get my attention. In fact, when Mink, the secretary in our office kept tapping me on the shoulder to get through a crowd for a company lunch, I thought she was showing interest in me. Only now do I realize that most of the coworkers to that to each other all the time.